UAE coach Paulo Bento has defended his choices for the national team ahead of the 26th Arabian Gulf Cup in Kuwait, despite facing mixed reactions from the public.
One of the most notable surprises in Bento’s squad selection was the exclusion of Ali Saleh, an iconic player for both the national team and Al-Wasl Club. Another shock was the absence of Ali Mabkhout, Al-Abyad's prolific striker with 13 goals to his name, from the highly anticipated tournament. The final squad also includes nine players who have recently been granted Emirati citizenship after meeting the necessary requirements.
The decision to leave out these high-profile players has sparked a wave of reactions across social media, with opinions divided between acceptance and criticism. Many fans took to their online platforms to voice their concerns about Bento's selections.
Speaking on Abu Dhabi Sports Channel, Bento explained that his player choices for the Gulf Cup were not purely based on talent or technical ability, but on a player's desire and passion to represent the national team.
We have been creating a good team. Regarding the spirit of the team, that's the most important, so we call the guys that really want to represent the national team. Sometimes, even the ones with lesser talent but the right desire and will to perform and represent.
The coach emphasized that success goes beyond tactical considerations.
We can see the development of the team in many aspects, in the tactical aspect but especially in the behavior they show, I think we have done a good job in making the team selections.
His comments appeared to be a response to those who criticised his choices, suggesting that loyalty and commitment are the most important qualities when selecting players for the national team.
Bento’s selections, however, have sparked contrasting reactions. Some fans believe that the Portuguese coach may be nearing the end of his tenure, with his decisions seen as a sign of uncertainty or experimentation.
They argue that Bento’s frequent changes to the lineup and tactics have created a sense of inconsistency, which has impacted the UAE national team’s performance.
Others, however, feel that Bento is establishing a fairer and more meritocratic system for selection, pointing out the significant improvement in the team’s development under his leadership since he took over in 2023.
Under Bento's guidance, the team has made progress both tactically and in terms of team dynamics.
Despite the controversies, Bento’s UAE national team remains a strong contender for the title in the 26th Gulf Cup, a tournament they won in 2007 and 2013.
Currently, the team is facing a challenging road to secure direct qualification for the 2026 World Cup, with 10 points from 6 matches in the qualifiers. With four crucial matches remaining, Bento’s side will need to push forward to secure their place in the tournament.
The UAE’s opening match of the Gulf Cup will be a highly anticipated clash with Qatar on Saturday, December 21. This Gulf derby comes after the UAE's stunning 5-0 victory over Qatar in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Fans are eagerly awaiting to see whether Qatar will seek revenge and restore their pride after that historic defeat.
*This article, originally written in Arabic, has been translated into English to reach a wider audience.
